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My at-home mini photo studio finally came together. I’m a bit challenged with space, so the best part of this setup is that everything is collapsible. My blogging photography essentials can be seen here.

Happy August 2015! What a great month we have ahead of us. Not only is my son turning 8, Painted Ladies is turning SIX this month. SIX! I have some surprises up my sleeve during the month, but in the meanwhile let’s take a look back at my July 2015 beauty favorites.

I had quite a few lovely beauty products pass my desk this month, and there are several that are officially favorites. Let’s take a look!

I’ve recently discovered the wonder of sea salt spray for my hair when I wear it curly as well as when I wear it straight. This is a great sea salt spray that revives my curls and gives my flat ironed hair a gorgeous boho finish. I’m giving away a bottle of this and another Redken product, so make sure to enter!

Palladio was the beauty brand I wasn’t expecting to love so much, but I’ve fallen hard for Lash Obsessed mascara, as well as several other products I’ve been using lately. Check out my review of The Definer and Line Out Loud.

ColourPop has my heart and that’s a fact. I just placed an order for more colors of both their Ultra Matte Lips and Sheer Lippie Stix. They are just that good and at $6 and $5 each, a verified beauty bargain win.

Cuticle care is something I take very seriously, and I’m glad to report Nail Butter soothes and protects that delicate skin around my nails. The only downfall? I’ve already With almost finished my jar!

I just reviewed this brand new beauty brand that has an awesome spray primer/moisturizer and handcream. They’re winners in my book – make sure to check out my review!

What a great month! I’m currently in the midddle of test driving some products I’m excited to share with you and I’m working on some fun tutorials, as well. Here’s looking forward to a fantastic August!

If you’re in need of a cheap eyeshadow treat, might I suggest an e.l.f. Studio Baked Eyeshadow Trio that is conveniently available at most CVS stores for the low, low price of $4.

Last week I was a bit surprised to walk into my local CVS store to find the NYC makeup display replaced by one with e.l.f. Cosmetics. I’m not complaining because I have The display has all of the products you’ll find at an e.l.f. display in Target stores, plus a few extras.

Some of those extras include the e.l.f. Studio Baked Eyeshadow Trio which comes in 4 color schemes. I chose Stormy Sea and Lavender Love.

Purple eyeshadow will always hold a dear place in my heart, and I’m always looking for the next great blue. Stormy Sea contains a shimmery white, shimmery medium blue, and a shimmery graphite.

Due to not-so-good past experiences, I’m always slightly wary of baked cosmetics. In the case of both Stormy Sea and Lavender Love, I found that both are easy to apply with a dry brush and give lots of beautiful color payoff, which is a huge plus as far as I’m concerned.

My Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a cheap beauty treat, the e.l.f. Studio Baked Eyeshadow Trio in any of its four varieties are a great choice!

One of my issues with liquid liners I’ve used in the past is that many need to have multiple layers applied so the intensity of the liner shows up in the first place. All those layers can end up flaking right off your eyes, often at the most inconvenient times. Don’t ask how I know!

I’ve been having fun with the Palladio Line Out Loud Intense Shimmer Liner in Sapphire lately and kind of, just might be smitten with this shimmery blue.

How could you not be?

This liner applies smoothly, the color shows right up without needing lots of layers, and it wears all day long.

My dear readers, we have a win! To boot, it’s $7, making it entirely affordable and another high quality product from Palladio. I’ve been loving many Palladio products lately, and cannot speak highly enough about Palladio Lash Obsessed mascara – it’s good stuff!

My Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for to have some colorful fun with your liquid liner options, give Palladio a try! Besides Sapphire and traditional black, Palladio Line Out Loud is available in 4 vibrant colors.

McKenzie Westmore isn’t just the host of SyFy’s Face Off, the special effects competition/elimination series that just debuted it’s 9th season this week, she’s the scion of the Westmore family, who’s contributions to the beauty industry are countless! McKenzie carries on the family tradion through Westmore Beauty, which can be found on QVC.

As a lifelong makeup lover, I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to chat with McKenzie about Face Off and one of the staples of the Westmore Beauty line, the Lasting Effects Coverage Perfector ($38).

It’s a 2-in-1 foundation and concealer which allows for flawless, airbrushed and comfortable coverage that lasts for over 24-hours. The Perfector is a cream formula that features Versa-Coverage and Micro-Layering Technology that can be used for a full range of coverage, from light to full. I’ll have a review of this lovely product on Painted Ladies soon!

You have no idea what a full-circle moment I’m having with this blog post. As a teenager, I would spend hours in the library reading whatever books I could get my hands on about the beauty industry. The Westmore family were innovators who had a large role to play in old Hollywood, which is why it’s a thrill to have the opportunity to interview McKenzie Westmore. I also happen to love watching Face Off, which features some incredibly talented artists and can be seen Tuesdays, 9/8c on the SyFy channel.

Painted Ladies: I have to tell you that as a teenager I spent hours in the library learning about the makeup industry and was fascinated by the story of the Westmore family. How did your family’s rich heritage help you when you were developing your makeup line?

McKenzie Westmore: I am obsessed with my family’s history. As a teen I remember a magazine calling my father the last of the living dinosaurs meaning he was the last to do it all in the make up industry. It broke my heart and I couldn’t let the family name die. I decided to learn the craft and art of the make up world. At the end of the day I eventually told my dad that I really wanted to be an actress however I would carry on the family name somehow. All that backstory has led me to where I am today. The fact that we had a make up line that was so popular decades ago has inspired me now to bring the Westmore name back! For my family, for my dad, and for our generations to come

Painted Ladies:I’m also a fan of Face Off and really enjoy seeing the creativity of the contestants. What’s your favorite part of hosting the show?

McKenzie Westmore: I love everything about my job!

From getting to meet the contestants day one. Seeing the incredible artistry unfold before my eyes. Working with my father every week. And of course it doesn’t hurt to have the most amazing wardrobe! 😉

Painted Ladies: Is there anything special we should look forward to in Season 9?

McKenzie Westmore: Season nine is very special because we hit our 100th episode! There are new challenges that we introduce. One called a focus challenge and the other called the gauntlet. That one pretty much speaks for itself! lol!

I also became an ordained minister for our 100th episode and married seven couples live on our stage.

Painted Ladies:What can you tell me about your newest product, Lasting Effects Coverage Perfector? What inspired you to develop it and who would this work for?

McKenzie Westmore: I was tired of having foundations wear off my face throughout the day whether it be on or off camera. I was also tired of having to do touchups all day long. This inspired me to create something that could be a long wear for what ever type of life you’re living. I also wanted to have that everything in one. I don’t have time in my busy schedule to do foundation, concealer, BB cream, cc cream so I decided to make my own.

That is exactly what the Coverage Perfector is. It’s that all in one for any skin type. it’s perfect for anyone that wants their foundation to last all day long. The layering technique is also a plus. If you want light coverage you use less if you want full coverage you use more. You can also simply spot conceal. The hydration and vitamins that have been added are also incredible for any skin type and will not cause breakouts. Something else that I was tired of dealing with. My fiancé has even thanked me as this has no transfer so I no longer leave a streak of foundation on his white shirt when I go to give them a hug

Created by makeup artist Thomas Charles to simply skincare, Touché Cosmetics Supercharged Moisturizer & Primer ($28.50). and Supercharged Hand Crème get you great results with fewer steps. The Supercharged Moisturizer & Primer adds a nice level of lightweight moisture and gets your skin fully prepped for makeup with a couple of easy spritzes.

I’ve been using the Moisturizer & Primer before my makeup applications and love how easy it is to distribute this primer. Not only does it sink into my skin immediately, it’s also very soothing and can be stored in the refrigerator for even more cooling on warm days. It’s ideal for use after chemical, laser, or exfoliating skin treatments that can leave your skin feeling raw!

Now when it was time to take to Touché Cosmetics Supercharged Hand Crème ($24.50) on a test drive, I enlisted the help of some friends.

The responses were positive – the fragrance described as earthy and familiar.

The lightweight texture was also a favorite and it was generally agreed that the hand cream absorbs into skin quickly without leaving a film.

This hand moisturizer is in my purse at the moment, which tells you it’s gotta be a goodie!

My Final Thoughts: Touché Cosmetics Supercharged Moisturizer & Primer and Supercharged Hand Crème are both lovely skincare products. They both add a nice level of moisture to your skin and the primer preps for makeup applications. I have not experienced any irritation with either products with multiple uses, but be aware if your skin has a sensitivity to Dimethicone.

ColourPop’s eyeshadows are unique in that they have a spongy texture and are best applied with your fingers.

You can use a flat synthetic brush, but the pads of your fingers are truly the best way to apply and layer these colors.

Can you believe there was a time in my life when I completely eschewed bronze and brown eyeshadows? As a colorful eyeshadow lover I straight up refused to have anything to do with these colors! It was a different time and place in my life, but I’ve since come to learn how to truly appreciate these hues. And that’s a good thing, because Game Face is really something special.

My Final Thoughts: I have to admit I love ColourPop Super Shock Shadows. ColourPop Game Face is a beautifully rich, shimmery bronze that looks great as a smoky eye color and will be perfect for the coming